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'JAN 31199
architects, and it would require $4 million just to address the ADA
requirements. In answer to an inquiry from Commissioner Madison,
Dr. Register said the HVAC at the four high schools was most
essential. He estimated that it would take $1.5 million per school
for North and South High Schools, $700,000 to $800,000 for
Statesville High School to completely A/C and West High School is
already A/C. He said $3.5 to $4 million to do all three of the
non -are high schools.
Commissioner Boone inquired which was more important to A/C,
the high schools or the primary schools. Dr. Register said air
conditioning was more important to high schools and would be a
first priority. John Nance said it is sometimes 90 degrees at 9:00
to 10:00 a.m. in the summer. Dr. Register said some of the old
elementary buildings were designed for better air circulation than
the newer high school buildings. Also the high school students do
not move around as much as the younger students.
Exhibit #6 was distributed by Commissioner Boone. It showed
that the per student funding in 1967 went from $27 to $30. Jane
Laney said special classes cannot be changed. In some areas the
board has no choice but to carry out the programs.
Bill Long said the biggest expense is tenure in the system.
Commissioner Madison said he thought the pupil assignment policy
needs some flexibility. He thought this might create some
competition within the local system. Certain schools would be
drawing students.
The board discussed the merit system and how to fairly
administer a merit program. Student outcome and test scores were
discussed. Teacher evaluations and choice or neighborhood schools
were discussed.
Chairman Haire discussed the crime in schools, the disruptive
children, and the alternative schools. Commissioner Madison said
he thought trouble makers should be expelled and given a grant to
go somewhere else to keep them from being disruptive in the
schools. Dr. Register said the drop-out rate in the system is
approaching 48. He thinks public schools are the only hope that
some of these kids may have.
There was a discussion about some preventive programs that
would teach young children how to get along. Commissioner Madison
mentioned the Sylvan Learning Center and a tax credit for people
who want to send their children to a private school.
Bill Long said the schools were asked to educate everybody and
have to chose the right way to do that.
There are some concerns about the prayer issue. They have
been meetings with a group of people to discuss offering religion
in the high schools to be funded with private money. It would be
a two-hour credit course.
Commissioner Skip McColl talked about classes to be taught in
values for pre-schoolers--how to get along with others, as well as
values and responsibilities.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. by Chairman Haire. The
next meeting will be held the last Monday in the month with the
discussion being on Current Expense budget for next year.
Clerk to the Board
APPROVED: a /J